Enhancement of power transfer capacity of transmission network using multilevel multifunction inverter

Abstract

This article presents a multilevel multifunction inverter (MLMFI) with a novel controller for the grid-connection of a solar array. The aim of this work is to improve the technology of the power transfer capacity of existing transmission lines in order to alleviate the current energy crisis. An effective mathematical modelling of an MLMFI configuration having two series-connected H-bridges per phase with isolated solar arrays is presented. A novel closed-loop controller is proposed for reference signal generation using the PWM technique. With the proposed controller, the power flow in a transmission line is analysed for daytime and nighttime conditions. The proposed controller performance was tested on a realistic single-machine infinite-bus power system with midpoint MLMFI using MATLAB simulation software. The proposed MLMFI-based solar array enhanced the stable power transfer limit of a transmission line. A comparative analysis between conventional and proposed controllers for power flow and transient stability studies was also presented. The proposed MLMFI results were validated by developing an experimental model.

Keywords

• damping controller
• multilevel inverter
• grid connected photovoltaic solar systems
• transient stability
• transmission capacity